Improvement in swinging cribs or hammocks



De C. OGRADY.

Swinging Cribs` or Hammocks.

NO. 137,235. PatentedMarch 25,1873. l

UNITED STATES-[PATENT"Ormea DE connor oenlinr, or: CHARLESTON, ILLINoIs.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 137,235., dated March 25, i873.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, DE GoURcY OGRADY, of Charleston, in the county of Goles and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and usel ful Improvements in Swinging Cribs or Hammocks, of which the following is a specification:

Figure l is a side elevation of my improved crib, showing the frame upon which it is suspended, the crib or hammock in position, the bed as prepared for the reception of a child, a table for the reception of toys or for victuals, a spring for suspending the bed, and a cushion on top. Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the same, and showing also the springs, which are attached to the frame and to the cords by which the crib is suspended; and Fig. 3 is a plan view, showing the cap to which the parts are pivoted, the manner of holding them in position, and the crib with its table.

Corresponding letters refer to corresponding parts in the several figures.

This invention relates to that class of devices known as swinging cribs or hammocks; and it consists in the combination and arrangement of some of its parts, as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

In constructing devices of this character I use a cap, A, which is provided with flanges or sockets for the reception of posts A1 A1,4

which are to be of sufficient length to elevate the cap A to such a distance from theiioor as to permit the crib to be suspended from it and swing freely, as shown in the drawing. These posts are fastened to the cap A by pins,which pass through the flanges of said cap, their upper ends being beveled so as to cause them to stand at the proper angle to give steadiness to the frame, their lower ends being provided with casters for convenience in moving. Extending frorn the cap A upward are four rods, A2, to the upper ends of which a disk of wood or metal is attached, which may be covered with any desired form of upholstering for the purpose of making it ornamental, and for causing it to serve as a seat or receptacle for a work-box, or other kind of ornament. For the purpose of retaining the posts A1 in their angular position staples are passed through their upper ends and around the rods A1", thus holding said posts when in use; but, by removing said staples, the rods or the posts may be closed together at their lower ends for convenience in packing or for transportation. Attached to the under surface of cap A is an eyebolt and ring, or other suitable device for attaching a spiral or other suitable spring or springs, A3, to which cords A4 are attached for suspending the crib or hammock, to which their lower ends are attached, as shown.

The crib or hammock above alluded to is designated by the letter B, and consists of a suitable frame of the desired length and width to allow of its serving as a receptacle for .a child or an adult person, as may be required. In the bottom of this crib there is placed an upholstered folding cushion or bed, B1, which is hinged together in such a manner that one or both of its ends may be turned up and held Y in its elevated position by a rod, B2, as shown in Figs. l and 3. This rod is attached to the under or outer side of the frame-work of bed B1 by an eyebolt, its outer end when in use resting upon the frame B. This arrangement and construction of the bed enable it to be shortened to the proper length to adapt it for use by children, or len gthened for adults.

For further adapting this device to the convenience of children, and to cause it to serve as a play-house, a table, C, is combined with the frame B, which is so arranged that it may be removed at pleasure, but when in position shall serve as a receptacle for a childls toys, or for the reception of its food when unable to leave its bed. For the purpose of holding this table in position hooks c are inserted into it, the outer ends of which pass over the upper rail of frame B, thus enabling it to be brought to any desired distance from the child as it sits in its bed.

To prevent the crib, when being swung to and fro, from coming in contact with the posts A1, springs D, of any suitable construction, are attached to the cords A4, and passed around or otherwise secured to the posts, as shown, which will effectually prevent such contact.

Straps or belts, E, are secured to the frame B in such a manner that they may be passed around the body ot' a child when it is desirable to prevent them from leaning too far forward while sitting in the device, or it may be used to prevent them from falling or jumping out in the absence of the nurse.

As it is intended to have this device serve as aplay-house for children, and as what is termed a baby-jumper, it is provided with a cord, F, which is attached to the cap A, from which it depends and extends downward far enough to allow the child or children when standing or sitting to grasp it, and thus give to themselves and the frame B a vertical movement, the spring A3. being arranged as shown for the purpose of aiding such movement.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, 1s

1. The combination of the cap A, postsAl, the staples in their upper ends, and the rods A2 A2, whereby the posts are held in position when in use, and provision is made for folding the posts when desirable, substantially as set forth.

2. The combination of the folding-bed B1, frame B, and table C, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses. Y

DE GOURCY VOGBADY.

Witnesses D. H. TREMBLE, B. D. TURNEY. 

